1996 Jaguar XK8 vs. 1948 Jaguar XK
To start off, 1996 Jaguar XK8 is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Jaguar XK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Jaguar XK would be higher. At 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Jaguar XK8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Jaguar XK8 (291 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1948 Jaguar XK. (160 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Jaguar XK8 should accelerate faster than 1948 Jaguar XK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Jaguar XK8 weights approximately 281 kg more than 1948 Jaguar XK. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1996 Jaguar XK8 (393 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Jaguar XK. (264 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Jaguar XK8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Jaguar XK. 1996 Jaguar XK8 has automatic transmission and 1948 Jaguar XK has manual transmission. 1948 Jaguar XK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Jaguar XK8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Jaguar XK8 | 1948 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | Jaguar | Jaguar |
| Model | XK8 | XK |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1948 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 3442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 291 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 106 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 251 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1653 kg | 1372 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 63 L |
